Ielts writing Essentials (book 2)

TOPIC NO. 6
HAZARDS OF HEALTH
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.Write about the following topic:
In many countries of today, due to sedentary life the eating habits and lifestyle of children
are different from those of previous generations. Some people say this has had a negative
effect on their health.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience. Write at least 250 words.
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that children are overweight and the situation is getting
worse, according to the medical experts. I feel there are a number of reasons for this.
Some people blame the fact that we are surrounded by shops selling unhealthy, fatty foods,
such as chips and fried chicken, at low prices. This has created a whole generation of adults
who have never cooked a meal for themselves. If there were fewer of these restaurants, then
children would not be tempted to buy take-away food.
There is another argument that blames the parents for allowing their children to become
overweight. I tend to agree with this view, because good eating habits begin early in life, long
before children start to visit fast food outlets. If children are given chips and chocolate rather
than nourishing food, or are always allowed to choose what they eat, they will go for the
sweet and salty foods every time, and this will carry on throughout their lives.
There is a third factor, however, which contributes to the situation. Children these days take
very little exercise. They do not walk to school. When they reach home, they sit in front of the
television, or in front of their computers and play video games. There activities will inturn
couch potatoes. Not only is this an unhealthy pastime, it also gives them time to eat more junk
food. What they need is to go outside and play active games or sports.
The two views discussed play an equal role in contributing to the problem, but I think, we
have to encourage young people to be more active, as well as help steering them away from
fast food outlets and bad eating habits. We need to have a balanced approach.

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